Ja Morant’s reaction to getting traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers was revealed on Friday.
A video of Morant’s response to finding out about the trade was posted by Shot By Nie Media on Instagram.
“They sent me to Portland, man,” Morant said in the video.
On June 29, the Grizzlies traded Morant to the Trail Blazers in exchange for forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.
It marked the end of Morant’s seven-year tenure in Memphis, which started after the team selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
He opened his career on a high note by earning Rookie of the Year honors, Most Improved Player recognition and two All-Star nods throughout his first four seasons in the NBA. Morant also led the Grizzlies to three playoff appearances over that span.
Injuries started to take a toll on his availability, though.
Morant has suited up in just 79 of a possible 246 regular-season games over the past three years.
He was limited to a mere 20 appearances during his 2025-26 campaign, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game despite shooting a career-low 41.0 percent from the field.
Morant also reportedly had a verbal clash with Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo early in the season, resulting in a one-game suspension.
Now, the point guard will have a fresh start in Portland.
The Trail Blazers are coming off a 2025-26 season in which they exceeded expectations, advancing to the playoffs by finishing with a 42-40 record.
Morant is joining a backcourt that already features Damian Lillard, as Lillard is set to make his return to the court after recovering from a torn Achilles that he suffered in April 2025.
Morant will have an early opportunity to face his former team next season, with the Trail Blazers hosting the Grizzlies on Oct. 29.